By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

A state-of-the-art “Autonomous Care Unit” has arrived in Pierrefonds, aiming to alleviate pressure on the West Island’s healthcare system.

Launched last week, the unit leverages technology initially developed for astronauts, offering a high-tech solution for self-monitoring health. The system is specifically designed to target preventable and urgent health conditions, providing immediate results to users. Users can assess their vitals and receive quick health evaluations via a screen and sensors.

Astronaut David Saint-Jacques explained that the goal is to enhance personal autonomy in managing one’s health, which begins with monitoring through a computer system equipped with artificial intelligence. The system can determine whether a person is healthy or ill, and should illness be detected, a human medical specialist would then intervene.

CIUSSS West Island spokesperson Dan Gabay highlighted the system’s impact, stating “One of the big challenges that you have is patients waiting on waiting lists who could be healthy, but some of them could be ill, as you’ll see through some of the visits. The objective really is to be able to give access to reviews through various health-care markers.”

BAUNE, the company behind the C2M2, sees it as a solution to primary care shortages, especially in remote areas. CEO Andrea Galindo explained its ability to deliver health care anywhere, addressing accessibility issues.

The C2M2 was presented with Federal MP Sameer Zuberi and Pierrefonds-Roxboro Mayor Jim Beis in attendance.

Beis noted the region’s ongoing struggle with doctor shortages, affecting many West Islanders. “This initiative is seen as a crucial step in providing more accurate diagnoses and care,” Beis said.

The timeline for integration for patient use has yet to be announced. n